Building a Freelance Portfolio That Gets You Hired
TL;DR:
- Portfolios matter more than resumes for most freelance work
- Your portfolio shows actual work quality, not just claims about your skills
- Keep a basic resume handy for corporate clients who still ask for one
- Add client testimonials and case studies to build trust
- Tailor what you show to match each client's needs
Most freelancers wonder whether they need a traditional resume or if a portfolio will do the job. The short answer is that your portfolio does the heavy lifting, but a simple resume can still be useful for certain clients.
Your portfolio shows potential clients exactly what you can deliver. Instead of reading bullet points about your skills, they can see your actual work. This matters especially in creative fields like design, writing, or web development where the quality of your output is everything.
Why Portfolios Work Better Than Resumes
When a client needs a logo designed or a website built, they want to see examples of your previous work. A resume tells them you have "strong design skills" but a portfolio proves it.
Portfolios work because they:
- Show real examples of your work quality
- Let clients imagine their project in your hands
- Prove you understand their industry or style
- Display your range and specialities
Think of it this way: if you were hiring a photographer for your wedding, would you rather see their CV or their actual photos?
When You Still Need a Resume
Some clients, particularly larger companies or traditional businesses, still expect a resume alongside your portfolio. Government contracts and corporate freelance positions often have formal application processes that require standard documentation.
Your freelance resume should be short and focused. Include:
Professional summary – Two or three lines explaining what you do and who you serve
Core skills – The specific tools, technologies, or expertise you offer
Key projects – Brief mentions of notable work with results where possible
Contact details and portfolio link – Make it easy for them to see your actual work
Keep it to one page. The resume gets you in the door, but your portfolio closes the deal.
Making Your Portfolio Work Harder
The strongest portfolios go beyond just showing pretty pictures or finished products. They tell the story of how you solved problems for real clients.
Add context to each project. Explain what the client needed, what challenges you faced, and what results you delivered. Numbers help here – increased traffic, improved conversion rates, faster load times.
Include client testimonials next to relevant projects. A quote from a happy client carries more weight than any claims you make about yourself. Ask clients for specific feedback about results, not just general praise.
Show your process for complex projects. Clients want to understand how you work, especially if they're considering a larger project. Screenshots of wireframes, mood boards, or draft stages help them see your thinking.
Keeping Everything Current
Your portfolio needs regular updates as you complete new work. Remove older projects that no longer represent your best work or current focus.
If you're pivoting to serve different clients or industries, adjust your portfolio to match. A potential e-commerce client doesn't need to see the charity website you built three years ago unless it demonstrates relevant skills.
The same goes for your resume. Update it when you learn new tools, complete significant projects, or shift your focus area.
FAQs
Do I need both a portfolio and a resume?
Most of the time, your portfolio handles everything. Keep a basic resume ready for corporate clients or formal application processes.
How many projects should I include in my portfolio?
Quality beats quantity. Eight to twelve strong examples work better than twenty mediocre ones. Show range but stay focused on your best work.
Should I include work I did for free or personal projects?
Yes, if it demonstrates skills relevant to paying clients. Just be honest about the context and focus on the quality of the work.
How often should I update my portfolio?
Add new work as you complete it, and review the whole thing every few months. Remove anything that no longer represents your current skill level.
Jargon Buster
Portfolio – A collection of your best work samples that shows potential clients what you can deliver
Case study – A detailed breakdown of a specific project showing the problem, your solution, and the results
Testimonial – A statement from a previous client endorsing your work and professional approach
Wrap-up
Your portfolio does most of the work in landing freelance clients, but having a simple resume ready helps with certain opportunities. Focus your time on building a portfolio that shows both the quality of your work and your ability to solve real problems for clients.
The goal is making it as easy as possible for potential clients to say yes to working with you.
Ready to build a portfolio that converts visitors into clients? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step guidance on creating websites that work for your business.